Service Learning Project Offered

Program At Boca University Gives Students Hands-on Experience In Community Service

December 13, 2009|By Jennifer Shapiro Special Correspondent

Charoy Thurston is interested in public advocacy, so it's no surprise that the political science and public communication major signed up for Florida Atlantic University's new service learning project this semester.

The project, Community Conversation Corps, is being funded from a three-year AmeriCorps grant and gives students hands-on experience in community service work while helping local nonprofits.

"It's a combination of classroom learning where students take a course on communication and community organizing, learn five techniques and get a chance to apply these skills in the nonprofit agencies," said Shara Pavlow, the program's director.

The project started in August for the fall semester with 14 students enrolled, and it will be offered in the spring and summer terms as well, she said.

Students have to volunteer between 25 and 30 hours per week at their assigned nonprofit and meet as a class weekly and individually with Pavlow every other week.

"I'm in awe of what our volunteers were able to accomplish. It's just been really fabulous," Pavlow said. "... They're learning how to be problem solvers and how to get things done, and that's exciting to watch a new generation of activists."

Thurston is volunteering at Prime Time Palm Beach County, an intermediary organization in Boynton Beach dedicated to quality school-age after-school programs. She's their research assistant and analyzes their current data within the community to see what after-school programs are out there and conducts needs assessments.

"I like it. It's a good experience. ... I really learned there are a lot of different things you can do to enrich your community without even realizing it," she said.

Participating students earn three academic credits, as well as $3,067 for living expenses and a $1,250 scholarship, Pavlow said.

"It's a phenomenal opportunity for people to reach out in their community and do the volunteer work they might not have been able to afford otherwise," she said.

Another student enrolled in the project, Alysha Klein, has been active in community service since high school.

"It's a good opportunity to get involved in the community," she said.

Klein is volunteering at the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County.

She has helped the agency increase its database, increase awareness and helped it film three public service announcements.

Klein and Thurston plan on signing up for the Community Conversation Corps again next semester; students can participate up to two semesters.

Pavlow said they send agencies in Broward and Palm Beach counties information about the program, saying that if they need help, they can send them an AmeriCorps volunteer.

"They desperately want the volunteers and need the help," she said. "Some agencies had to downsize. Some of our volunteers are working almost like full-time staffers."

Participants must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a high school diploma and be willing to serve 450 community service hours averaging 25 to 30 hours a week over four months, Pavlow said.

Students interested in participating can contact Pavlow at conversations @fau.edu.